Peering Over the Horizon: Arab Threat Perception and Security Responses to a Nuclear Ready Iran

March 15, 2004

Weapon Program: 

  • Nuclear

Author: 

Richard L. Russell

Publication: 

Nonproliferation Policy Education Center

Arab states have traditionally worked to balance Iranian power in the Persian Gulf and Middle East. If Iran were to acquire nuclear weapon capabilities it is likely Tehran would adopt a more aggressive foreign policy. The clerical regime might calculate that it would be able to provide more assistance beyond its borders to organizations such as Hezbollah. In addition Arab states are no doubt concerned about escalation between Israel and Iran and the regional destabilization that would surely follow.  

Attachment: